Guitar Effects Processors

While many guitarists will create effects through the use of one or more foot pedals, some guitarists need or want more effects than a chain of several effects pedals makes practical. For these guitarists and others, a guitar effects processor may provide them with the range of effects that they desire. Particularly as digital technology advances, the options afforded by effects processors have skyrocketed, allowing a guitarist to have nearly any effect they can think of right at their fingertips.

Whereas a single foot pedal will normally only produce a single effect or a single type of related effects, effects processors combine the capabilities of several effects pedals into a single device. This allows a guitarist to not have to line up an array of foot pedals, and then remember which pedal they need to turn on or off for each song. Some effects processors can be pre-programmed to switch between effects by pressing a single button, while others require a bit more adjustment of knobs or switches for the necessary changes. Either way, effects processors can make a guitarist's job on stage considerably easier.

Another major application of an effects processor is in the recording studio. Particularly when the effects required are those that are normally produced by the interaction of guitar and amplifier, such as a feedback loop, an effects processor that is capable of creating these effects produces a better recording than would be obtained by recording the sound that comes out of an amp. It is, of course, possible to connect a guitar to foot pedals and then into a soundboard, but for amplifier driven effects, an effects processor can be invaluable in the recording process.

At home, musicians will likely have little need of an effects processor, but they can be fun devices with which to experiment. Having the capabilities of nearly any effect pedal, a guitarist can play around with the ways in which these effects change their favorite songs, or those songs they have written themselves. Although an effects processor does not serve much of a practical purpose in the home, it can allow for fun or interesting experimentation.

The major downside of an effects processor is usually the cost. While it may be financially feasible for a guitarist to purchase several different foot pedals, effects processors tend to be more expensive. While it is true that a guitarist would only need a single effects processor, for those guitarists with a limited budget, they are probably better off picking and choosing between the effects pedals that they will be most likely to use. Even most famous guitarists have only one or two signature effects that they use most often, so a similar number can suffice for someone just starting out with an electric guitar.

One aspect of effects processors is somewhat debatable amongst musicians as to whether it is an advantage or disadvantage. This is the question of how well effects processors do their job. Many newer effects processors utilize digital technology to emulate a wide array of effects, as well as the sounds of well known amplifiers. For those guitarists who cannot afford the best amp, an effects processor can allow them to simulate the sounds of a good amp with whatever they have, as long as it can produce a clear sound. Many guitar afficionados feel that the digitally simulated amplifier sounds are not as good as the real thing. For those who want a variety of sounds without the need for a lot of extra gear, this digital technology suits their needs perfectly, and they may be willing to overlook the minor imperfections in sound. Other musicians believe that these imperfections are over exaggerated, if they exist at all.

For most guitarists, one or more foot pedals will suffice for the majority of their needs. Until a guitarist reaches the stage where they are performing live with many complex effects, or recording their music in a studio setting, an effects processor is likely to simply be extraneous equipment. For more experienced guitarists, however, an effects processor can do a considerable amount of work towards making the guitarist's job easier. By allowing a guitarist to pre-program their effects or add multiple effects to their sound with minimal work, effects processors make the transition in a live performance from one song to the next quick and easy. By creating amp based effects in the studio without an amp, effects processors can make a finished recording of a much higher quality than might be otherwise possible.